Why Dushmantha Chameera wasn't allowed to be Lungi Ngidi's like-for-like concussion substitute?

In the run-fest at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi Capitals’ (DC) trump card Lungi Ngidi suffered a nasty head injury. Ngidi got injured while attempting a catch of Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) opener Priyansh Arya early into the run chase. He was stretchered off the field and rushed to the hospital where his condition was stable. DC were allowed a concussion substitute but it couldn’t be like-for-like. Dushmantha Chameera was one of the five players listed as concussion substitute but he couldn’t take the field. Instead, spin-bowling all-rounder Vipraj Nigam came in as the Proteas pacer’s substitute. The move left many baffled but DC weren’t allowed Chameera was substitute.

DC’s Director of Cricket, Venugopal Rao, revealed that Chameera couldn’t come in for Ngidi as a fifth overseas player isn't allowed.

Here's what the IPL 1.2.6 rule says -

“A team may not have more than 4 Overseas players on the field of play at any time during any Match.. If the team names fewer than 4 Overseas players in its starting XI, Overseas players may only enter the field of play as substitute fielders to the extent that by doing so, they do not take the total number of Overseas players representing that team on the field to more than 4."

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How Vipraj Nigam fared as concussion substitute?

While Chameera could’ve troubled the batters with extra pace, Nigam was the only available option. As Auqib Nabi and Mukesh Kumar went for plenty, Axar Patel had no choice but to use the leggie's services. He defied modern-day cricket match-ups and got the wicket of left-handed batter Nehal Wadhera. He also created a golden chance as Shreyas Iyer miscued a shot. But, Karun Nair dropped a sitter after taking an impressive catch near the boundary line. He bowled two overs and conceded 24 runs.

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Who will replace Ngidi?

The in-form Ngidi may not be available for DC’s next clash at home against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 27. Australia’s left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc would’ve been a straightforward replacement. However, it was earlier reported that Starc would build his workload and be available for DC’s clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on May 1. If Starc doesn’t feature against RCB, Chameera is the likely option. Also, DC can hand Kyle Jamieson his debut for the franchise.